The following prayer points are in a secure format to protect missionaries in sensitive locations. This means that some names have been removed, so they are best read in conjunction with the CMS Prayer Diary which is available from your local branch.
March 2019 Prayer Points
Friday 1 – Argentina
Martin & Julie Field pray for fruitful and encouraging visits to link churches. Peter & Terry Blowes ask for godly wisdom for ABUA leaders as they navigate the movement´s generational transition. Amy Stephens prays for the local ABUA camp in Córdoba (3-5 March). Pray especially for Diega Meza, speaking on what it means to live the Gospel. Pray that many students attend and that it be a blessed time of fellowship and growth.
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Saturday 2 – Mexico, Bolivia & Peru
Peter & Sarah Sholl pray that those they work with might receive grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Adrian & Anita Lovell give thanks for those partnering with them in God’s work in Bolivia and pray for fresh enthusiasm as they share with many this month. Nick & Kysha Davies pray for good health for Kysha and for continued gospel growth in Peru. Grahame & Patty Scarratt give thanks that the gospel message is continually being published in Spanish.
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Sunday 3 – Chile
Chris & Stef Overhall pray that Chris’s first MOCLAM course will bear gospel fruit, and that Eliot & Theo will settle in as school starts back. Michael & Jo Charles pray for CEP students as they start classes for 2019. Thank God for work and study opportunities. Pray for Lola as she starts TAFE. Gary & Julie Haddon pray that their gospel work at CEP will bring glory to God forever. Frances Cook prays that CEP would provide well for their two new non-Anglican students, a ministry that CEP would like to see increased whilst retaining CEP’s Anglican character.
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Monday 4 – Ethiopia, Kenya & Tanzania
Pray with Shane & Naomi Rubie for Shane’s ongoing health issues—for complete healing and strength, and all their students doing mid-year exams this month. Roger & Lynn Kay give thanks for the new Retrak centre for children from the streets in Bahir Dar. Pray that the children will experience God’s love in a real way and respond. Maggie Crewes gives thanks for the past two months in Cambodia and the support she has been able to give to colleagues in the work with young trafficked girls. Norm & Janelle Gorrie give thanks for Janelle’s Boran literacy class; and pray for key diocesan training events in how to prepare Bible studies and talks and lead Bible Study groups. Praise the Lord with Matthew & Samantha Archer for the opportunity to present at NSW/ACT General Committee meeting tonight. Pray that the committee will be wise in the areas it oversees.
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Tuesday 5 – Tanzania
Arthur & Tamie Davis pray that TAFES staff would grow in creating ministry partnerships. Pray with Glen & Dominique Turner for a positive and peaceful home-schooling year ahead. Kevin & Karen Flanagan give thanks that their bishop is experiencing some healing from a chronic back problem. Judith Calf prays for God’s protection over their Bible School evangelist students in their Sunday church ministries—travelling by foot in the rainy season, sharing with God’s people. Mike & Katie Taylor praise God for opportunities to teach his word and for the confidence that they can have in him to work by his Spirit through his word. Pray for the college students to grow in the same confidence. Pray that Liz Burns will be filled with all joy and peace in believing.
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Wednesday 6 – Namibia, South Africa & DR Congo
Mike & Karen Roe pray that Karen’s friend Mel will hear the gospel and respond. Daniel & Olivia Webster pray that God would bless their labours as they commence several new works this year, and that they would keep the main things the main things. Pray that Kylie Zietsch would have good times of reflection and time in God’s word. Nathan & Diane Lovell pray for the masters level course this week taught by Dr Don Carson. Pray the students would be diligent in their work. David & Prue Boyd pray that the Bible students will be able to think through the issues in David’s class. Pray the audiology rooms would be re-furbished as the hospital promised. Graham & Wendy Toulmin give thanks their senior Congolese dentist, William, has been awarded an honorary degree by Sydney University for his 30 years of faithful service. Pray he may be able to attend the ceremony in Sydney this month.
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Thursday 7 – Development & Training
SAH: K prays that God will help her develop healthy habits for daily and weekly living whilst at SAH. M prays that she would keep growing in humility and be bold in sharing Jesus in Melbourne. M & O give thanks for God’s nearness and pray that they would make the most of their time at SAH. N & R pray that God would use this time of training to prepare their hearts and minds to share the gospel in Southeast Asia with and alongside local believers. I & J pray for their friends in W Church in Sydney as they choose a new senior minister, and for their own decision with CMS on future ministry location. A praises God for the privilege of being at SAH and asks God to grow her love for his people as she reads and reflects on books about her future location in South Asia. A & M give thanks to God for getting them to SAH, into this vibrant community and pray that he would help them make the most of every equipping opportunity it offers. P & J pray that their family would settle quickly into new routines of study, preschool, and church, and develop meaningful friendships. Mentac: Please pray for the new and continuing trainees to make real connections with Muslims this month and share their faith in Christ.
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Friday 8 – South East Asia
H & M pray that they and those they work with may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. I thanks God that her new house is becoming a good place to have people over. J & I pray for D who starts going to school after many years of home-schooling and for those attending a new weekly Bible study that we have just started leading. T & E gives thanks for the recent gatherings of holistic community development works from across SE Asia. Pray that all who attended return to ministry full of joy and expectation, equipped to serve the Father and share his love. J prays that deputation in the north-west Western Australia will be positive, with folk thanking God for his quiet work in people’s lives in this closed country and catching a wider vision of what he is doing.
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Saturday 9 – South East Asia
M & L pray that Christians there will be filled with joy and peace in believing. N & R pray for good preparation for a TCK camp they are involved with in April and that the hearts of the kids will be readied to hear the Word. S prays for opportunities each day to love people, and for hearts to be softened to hear and respond to the good news. Na asks that the Father grant her grace to continue to work, learn, and be godly as the weather heats up and energy levels tend to fizzle and tempers fray. Ne thanks God for his provision of link churches and supporters and prays that he’d help her to trust him as she visits different groups this month.
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Sunday 10 – Cambodia
Bethany Vaughan gives thanks for God’s sustaining in Cambodia. Pray for her Khmer church, for leaders and a new Sunday school teacher as the main teacher is leaving. Wim & Maaike Prins thank the Lord that Wim finished checking Volume 3 (of 5) of the New Bible Dictionary and pray for healing of Tobias’ broken foot. Craig & Samantha McCorkindale pray for Craig as he leads a mission group of students from the bible school to the province and for wisdom to guide them well in what is a new context for them and him. Pray for Dave & Leoni Painter as they commence visiting their link churches prior to returning to Cambodia. Andrew & Liz Glover pray that they and those around will receive grace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus.
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Monday 11 – Indonesia, Singapore & Timor-Leste
Alan & Helen Wood give thanks for the 200th Anniversary service of All Saints Jakarta with Bishop Rennis. Pray that R will not be afraid to use his limited language to build friendships and relationships with the people he meets each day, in particular those who live and work nearby. J & D pray for the young women D is mentoring, that they will grow in wisdom, understanding and in their love for Jesus. Mark & Rosemary Dickens thank God for people like you who have prayed for them over the last six years in ministry in Singapore. Pray that it will be an encouraging time for all as they visit supporters in coming months. Marty & Jenny Foord Give thanks for a productive time teaching an intensive at ETCAsia in Singapore last month. Pray that they would build good relationships with churches during home assignment and that God would provide accommodation in Singapore. Pray for Chris & Grace Adams as they help train the new young adults leadership team. Pray for young adults wrestling with the Sermon on the Mount and with what it means to be a disciple of Christ in Timor Leste. Thank God for the launch of the Tetun Big Picture Story Bible this month by Scripture Union TL.
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Tuesday 12 – North Australia
Chris & Karen Webb ask God to equip and strengthen Aboriginal Christian leaders at a gathering held in the first week of March in the East Kimberley. Matt & Lisa Pearson pray that the churches they are involved in would show the unifying power of the cross of Christ. Tavis & Kate Beer pray for Miriam as she begins work with Kate in the NT Diocese. Pray for her family to make a good transition to Darwin from Urapunga, that she can work well, and that Aboriginal people would support her in her ministry. Derek & Rosemary Snibson pray for wisdom in which long term ministry relationships to pursue. Wayne Oldfield & Mandy Jones pray for their new teachers—Amos, Michelle, Emily and James—as they settle in, prepare lessons and start to teach with existing staff. May they be strengthened by Jesus as they do.
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Wednesday 13 – North Australia, PNG & Vanuatu
Terry & Liz McCoy praise God for opportunities to be encouraged by and to connect with faithful supporters in their link churches; for opportunities to encourage them to continue to partner with CMS and to continue to listen to, support and pray for our Aboriginal brothers and sisters. Matt & Kate Vinicombe pray that they will settle well into the community on Groote Eylandt. Keith & Marion Birchley pray for good relationships with new students at UPNG, the student executive, all other TSCF students, and the National Director. Joel & Tiffanie Atwood pray for the efforts to plant a new campus group at the Francophone University, AUF, and plead with our Father for local leaders for the new small groups at USP.
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Thursday 14 – UAE & Jordan
K gives thanks for the 11 non-believing women doing English and bible Coffee time each week, and for the two women currently coming to ‘Mums and Kids’. She prays for more to come along and for open hearts to the gospel. J & D thank God for their 200 ‘Acts 2:42’ small group leaders and pray for well attended and productive regular leaders’ meetings. W & C thank God for so many people at church and pray for the space to accommodate them. Malcolm & Charissa pray that the Ladies Retreat on 22-23 March will be a blessing for all who attend.
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Friday 15 – Middle East
J prays that God would use church-based ‘pop-up’ medical clinics where she is involved to bring both spiritual and physical blessing to the many refugees who come. L gives thanks for deepening relationships. Please ask for opportunities to share bible stories or her testimony. S & P pray for God to sustain them in blamelessness until the return of Jesus. L & I thank God for continued ministry possibilities amongst Muslims.
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Saturday 16 – Middle East
S & C give thanks for the students who are studying God’s word at their theological college. Please pray that the Holy Spirit would do his work in their hearts and lives as they grow in their knowledge of God through his word. Please also pray for S who is recovering from a lung biopsy. M is thankful for those praying for Arabic learning, and prays for T, S and M, that there will be deepening trust, friendship and salty conversations. C prays that she would continue to love and learn about her neighbours and give opportunities to bless them. B prays for daily faithfulness and readiness to share stories during visits and conversations, such that the Son will be better known.
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Sunday 17 – Nepal
K & M L pray for ongoing energy for the school term. I & R thank God for the opportunity to develop PE programs and student support at KISC. D & E pray for the Nepali church in a harsher environment for believers, and for good care for E’s sick mother. J thanks God for calling her and others in Nepal into the fellowship of his Son.
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Monday 18 – Nepal & Pakistan
K (& B) pray for the psychiatric rehab centre which B is building to go ahead smoothly and for much work to happen before the rainy season comes. B & L thank God for the opportunity for B to participate in a Mentoring workshop in Pokhara, with a number from church participating. Pray for good mentoring relationships to develop with two men from church, which will contribute to God’s Kingdom building in Nepal. G & R thank the Lord for the way plans for expanding Palliative Care services in Green Pastures are progressing, and for the 25 participants who attended the recent Ministry of Mentoring Course. L & T pray for L as he finishes up his Masters paper and for T as she gets into the swing of studying for her Masters. Give thanks for the work of INF as it serves the poor and marginalised in Nepal through its community development programs, clinics and hospitals. Thanks for the opportunity S had to work with a partner organisation last month. D & S praise God for the new opportunities in discipleship and pray that they will be fervent in prayer for those around them.
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Tuesday 19 – South Asia
E is thankful to be on location and prays for perseverance in language learning. S (& T) give thanks to the Father for providing wonderful support during a time of transition. K prays for herself and two new housemates as they move in together this month, for love and great communication. L gives thanks for the eternal hope we have in Jesus, and for the chance to be together as a family caring for her mum as she is dying of pancreatic cancer. M & K pray for the upcoming team retreat on 28-29 March, it being the first time they’ll meet as a team since coming to the capital city a month ago. They also pray for ongoing language learning and family life as they settle in to their new context. S & I pray for wisdom for S, the school board and the staff as he transitions out of the roles of Chairman, Managing Director and CEO. Pray for a suitable mission-minded replacement who could lead in the development of long-term options for school and its buildings.
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Wednesday 20 – CMS Australia
Thank God for the recent senior staff retreat and pray that CMS Australia will work effectively to serve CMS ministries around the country and elsewhere. Pray for Elizabeth preparing for a pastoral visit to Europe.
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Thursday 21 – France
Caroline Evenden prays for God to use question-and-answer Veritas events to bring students into his Kingdom and grow Christian students in confidence to share their faith. Daniel & Kate Morris pray for Pascale the new regional coordinator for the north of France, that she continues to settle in to her role and connect with church leaders in the region. Josh & Susannah Apieczonek pray that many students will come, and good contacts will be made at the Forum Veritas gospel debate on campus. Colin & Catherine Puffett pray for their union of churches (Perspectives) as it has its first annual meeting (‘congrès’, on 30 March) since its establishment last year; for unity of purpose and direction, and safe travel there for Colin. Kelly Landrigan prays that this meeting will mean an encouraging time with other Perspectives churches. M gives thanks that she is getting to know a local sister and ask that their times together would be mutually encouraging.
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Friday 22 – Italy, Ireland & Malta
Simon & Jessica Cowell pray for spring training with the students from the east coast of Italy this month. Gillian Law prays for many good conversations about Jesus during mission week in three universities in Rome, that Christian students will be bold and wise in talking with non-believing friends and new students. Naomi Brunacci prays for the Winter Camp as students from the Veneto region are away this weekend studying Hebrews and thinking about how to share their faith well at Uni. Erin Moorcroft thanks God for opportunities to share Jesus at the outreach events over the St Patrick’s Day long weekend. Geoff & Robyn pray the three youth that having started coming to youth group will come to know Christ.
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Saturday 23 – Austria, Germany & Slovenia
Rob & Arabelle Horne pray that they may continue to find ways to encourage disciple-making in their church. Rachel Gibbs prays that the ÖSM Linz group would find a new student leader who is strong in faith and willing to serve and lead the group from October. Mimy Gardner thanks God for a super-encouraging and motivational EMU music conference organised by Leipzig English Church for a German wide audience. Klaus & Jude Hickel thank God for newcomers at the German service and pray that they would be welcomed, integrated and most importantly, understand and respond to the gospel of grace. Kingsley & Veronica Box pray for a youth weekend that will be held in an Austrian castle in conjunction with Linz international church in early April, that youth will come and be challenged by the gospel.
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Sunday 24 – Spain & Eurasia
Give thanks with Andrew & Dominique Gifford as they transition to a new season in Australia, for God’s provision of housing, schooling and a role for Andrew in the CMS Victoria office. Jim & Tanja French pray for their children Evie and Silas, at their new school, to find good friends and to learn two languages quickly (Spanish and Valenciano), also for a tutor for Jim’s language learning and for a permanent flat. Mike & Tania Snowdon pray for good health for all as they adjust to a new baby. John & Jodi Lovell pray Valencia’s annual fiesta (Las Fallas) will provide new opportunities to speak with grace about the difference between religious ceremonies and knowing God personally through Jesus. R prays that those she relates to may be filled with grace and peace from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Monday 25 – Hong Kong, Taiwan & East Asia
Ian & Narelle Hadfield pray for God’s leading for someone to be the Minister in Charge at Resurrection Church Sai Kung, where Ian and Narelle are serving in an interim capacity. Sam & Shan-Shan Chrisp are visiting partner churches this month. Pray for their daughter Jasmine to cope well with so many different churches each Sunday. S & K pray for God’s continued blessing upon those in East Asia during the New Year. L prays that those she works amongst may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
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Tuesday 26 – East Asia
D & T give thanks that the first Early Intervention Seminars run by the Family Preservation Project were well attended. Pray for T as she helps make decisions about best next steps for this work. E asks for continued grace as she learns language and culture. D & L pray for local Christians to keep trusting God in uncertain times. Pray with L & J that as they visit partner groups, they would connect with Aussie culture, and challenge and build others up in the gospel.
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Wednesday 27 – Japan
Adam & Helane Ramsay pray that their team retreat would be an opportunity to bond together as a team and build trust. Steven & Sandra Parsons pray for the TEAM Japan Office which Steven leads as they finalise a plan for functioning more effectively, so they can better serve those ministering to the gospel poor in Japan. Roger & Noriko Dethlefs thank God for the chance to share in the lives of university students in Tokyo as they attend bible study meetings. Nathan & Maki Clapham ask that the students they work with will be enriched in spiritual speech and knowledge through Jesus Christ. Chenny Thie thanks God for her new friendship with Miki. Pray for the opportunity to have good Gospel conversations with her over the coming months before she moves to London. Matt & Jen Lim pray for wisdom as they seek to get to build relationships with Hi-b.a. staff and students, whilst keeping language learning as their priority.
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Thursday 28 – Japan
Dene & Rachel Hughes pray for the KGK staff at Spring camp – it’s the biggest area gathering of the KGK year – welcoming high school graduates and farewelling those going off to the workforce. Kellie Nicholas thanks God for her time in Australia and asks for a smooth return to student ministry. Brad & Michelle Jackson pray for the CSK youth camp happening at the end of March; that lots of students will come to know God and for the leaders to use God’s wisdom as they teach the students. Dave & Beck McIntyre gives thanks as they come to the end of the school year. Pray for Alyssa, who is finishing primary school, and Mitch, who is finishing kindergarten, as they move up to new schools.
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Friday 29 – CMS Partners
Pray that the beneficiaries of the Mission Support Fund would grow in their knowledge of God and understanding of his word. Pray that they would have servant hearts that seek to grow his Church and support his people in their faith. Pray for wisdom for the Mission Support Fund Committee as they make decisions about who to support through the fund.
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Saturday 30 – CMS Branches
NSW & ACT: Give thanks for the churches who took part in Prayer Focus this month. Pray that link churches will continue to grow their hearts for world mission as they pray for and support missionaries. QNNSW: Pray for the CMS-QNNSW team as Mark Fairhurst leads them in seeking God’s vision and direction for the branch into the future. SANT: Give thanks that God has raised up a passionate and skilled staff team for CMS SANT. Pray that God will provide the right person to be appointed as our new Events Coordinator. Please pray also for the ongoing Branch budget process during the next few months, that we would make informed and wise decisions. TAS: Pray for T and E serving in South East Asia in student ministry as they prepare for a pastoral visit from the Tasmanian State Director in the next few weeks. Pray that it would be a time of mutual encouragement and blessing. Pray for K as she begins learning culture and language in South Asia. VIC: Pray for more Youth to participate in the Beautiful Feet fundraising campaign, in which we hope to raise $30,000. Pray for supporters to see the value in the campaign and encourage the youth as they participate. WA: Give thanks for our Summer Conference on the 2nd of March, and all the people who came and ask that what was said would continue to impact churches and individuals as they become more engaged in overseas cross-cultural mission.
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Sunday 31 – CMS Fellowship
Former Missionaries’ Fellowship: We give God thanks for the life and ministry of Barry Butler, who died in Darwin on 11 January, aged 90. Barry and his wife Margaret served the Lord with CMS in the Northern Territory, Barry from 1953-93. They spent most of their working lives in Roper River Mission (Ngukurr) and in Darwin, where Barry was Chaplain to the Aborigines 1966-88. We ask God to comfort Margaret and their family and friends in their bereavement. Thank God for all who have served with CMS over many generations.